10 Free Things to do in Barcelona

10 Free Things to do in Barcelona

Barcelona is one of the most budget friendly cities in all of Europe; getting by on next to nothing is entirely possible, while still having the authentic Catalan experience.

There’s lots to do, but here are some of the top activities that won’t cost you a thing.

1. Visit the Picasso Museum in Barcelona

This is one of Barcelona’s Old Town’s most major attractions. It’s a small but comprehensive collection of some of Picasso’s most important works, housed in an impressive medieval setting.

While one usually has to pay to revel in such historic art, the museum opens up its doors on Thursday evenings between 6pm and 9:30pm for free. Once can also visit free on the first Sunday of every month, but booking online prior to arrival is necessary.

Picasso Museum – by haitham alfalah – Wikimedia Commons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Sunday –  9am to 8:30pm

ADDRESS: Carrer Montcada, 15-23, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

METRO STATION: Jaume I

2. Walk to Each of Gaudi’s Buildings in Barcelona

The City of Barcelona is able to charge fees to all travelers who want to enter inside of the buildings that Antoni Gaudi left on the streets. They are major tourist attractions and contributors to the overall city economy.

Viewing each of these impressive structures from outside, however, is absolutely free. Most of them exist within close proximity of one another in the city center and can be walked between. The following map shows the ones you don’t want to miss.

3. Explore the Gothic Churches in Barcelona

Another things one never has to pay to enjoy in Barcelona, are the churches.

Like Gaudi creations, Barcelona is littered with impressive gothic-style churches throughout the city. The four main ones that you’ll want to focus on are: The Cathedral of Saint Eulalia & the Holy Cross, the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar (beautiful!), the Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi and the Basilica of Sant Just i Pastor.

Note that some parts of each church have sections that require a fee to enter. Bell towers in particular are considered a tourist attraction and usually aren’t free.

Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar – by C messier – Wikimedia Commons

4. Laze on the Beach in Barcelona

Just behind the Old Town, after all the city buzz and guided walking tours, are Barcelona’s very lazy beaches; and all of them are free to the public.

They are called the beaches of Barceloneta and they are impressive, vast man-made stretches of sand and ocean (no, man didn’t make the ocean) that are open year round.

Not only can you swim and tan, you can also take part in various beach activities including volleyball, beach soccer, photo walks, yoga and viewing of the many art installations hosted on the sand.

Barcelona Beach – by Thingstodoinbarcelona – Wikimedia Commons

5. Walk Through the Mercat dels Encants in Barcelona

You don’t need to have money to blow to enjoy the markets in Barcelona. The Mercat dels Encants is one of the oldest markets in all of Spain still in operation today.

The market recently moved to this permanent home, where it runs every other day.

It’s free to enter and enjoy; and window shopping is more enjoyable than you think. This is a prime spot for antiques, vintage clothing, trinkets, furniture and old Spanish oddities beyond your wildest dreams.

Mercat dels Encants – by Pilar Romero Meza – Wikimedia Commons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday –  9am to 8pm

ADDRESS: Carrer de los Castillejos, 158, 08013 Barcelona, Spain

METRO STATION: Glòries

6. Enjoy the Parc de la Ciutadella in Barcelona

The Ciutadella is the park of the people in Barcelona. Many wish that Park Guell might be so, but having to pay the entrance fee every time one wishes to enter gets a bit tedious after a while.

The Ciutadella is on the cusp of the Old Town, right next to the Gothic Quarter and close to Barceloneta. There are fountains, lawns, plant life, running trails and children’s play areas — and no entrance fee in sight.

Parc de la Ciutadella – by Bernard Gagnon – Wikimedia Commons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Daily

ADDRESS: Passeig de Picasso, 21, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

METRO STATION: Arc de Triomf

7. Hunt Down Street Art in Barcelona

Technically the creation of street art and graffiti is strictly prohibited in Barcelona. But in less gentrified, more bohemian districts like Poble Sec or el Poblenou one can see this culture in full form.

Artists don’t hold back and freedom of self expression is an important part of the youth identity in these up and coming neighborhoods. Even without the street art, both Poble Sec and el Poblenou are fascinating neighborhoods to experience for an authentic interaction with Barcelona’s diversity of culture.

Barcelona – by Zarateman – Wikimedia Commons

REQUEST YOUR BARCELONA TOUR NOW   »

8. Take a Free Guided Walking Tour in Barcelona

One can take a guided walking tour through any neighborhood in Barcelona, with the right arrangements. The free ones run through the Old Town, which are the neighborhoods surrounding the Ciutadella Park in the center.

Your free guided walking tour will take you through the historic streets, past the historic attractions while an informed guide relays everything you need to know about each one.

9. Watch the Sunset from Montjuïc in Barcelona

Travelers are always astounded to learn that there is no fee to enjoy Montjuïc in Barcelona. Even once you reach the summit, you’re free to roam the hills and settle wherever you feel most comfortable, free of restrictions and gated areas.

The summit overlooks the whole of Barcelona and is a breathtaking view from which to watch a sunset (or sunrise, whatever you’re into). Thankfully the sun is free, and your only expense will be if you choose to ride the cable car up to the top… or walk.

View from Montjuïc – by Yair Haklai – Wikimedia Commons

10. Walk the Cemeteries in Barcelona

Spanish cemeteries are notoriously eerie and incredibly beautiful in design. There gothic facades make for some interesting tombs and statues, that the living seem to enjoy visiting.

All of Barcelona’s cemeteries are free to enter and explore, provided you’re there with respect and good intentions.

At the Poblenou Cemetery on the coast one can visit the famous “kiss of death” statue that is famous around the world.